Windows 7 Realtek Soundcard Microphone Latency Problem

Scott Shewbridge · From: Bay Area, N. California

I got a new laptop machine to replace one that was stolen (no idea why, it was eight years old and on its last legs, guess I was lucky afterall Oh Well

).

The new machine is your basic entry level laptop, Gateway, core I3 running Windows 7.

I used to be able to record direct on my Windows XP machine, using the soundcard jack. I could route the signal to both the recording software (Audacity) and the speakers. Now though, apparently Windows 7 does not allow a direct analog to analog signal to pass through the card to the speakers. So instead of hearing what I am playing, there is a ~500ms latency.

I've been searching the web and I also searched the archives here, but all I can find are forum postings, including those on Microsoft's own technical forum (28 pages and counting), filled with posts about this problem with no definitive solution. There are some proposed fixes (reinstall drivers, change 'listen to this device' options, etc...), which I have tried pretty thoroughly with no resolution. Nearly every forum ends with the declaration that this microphone A to D monitor D to A latency problem cannot be fixed until Microsoft fixes Windows 7, allowing direct to monitor, as they used to in Windows XP.

For those of you trying to use the soundcard microphone jack, rather than a dedicated DAW hardware interface, did you have this problem? Were you able to solve it? I don't record often and don't want to go down the DAW route just yet, but if you think that is the only solution, don't hesitate to let me know.

Thanks up front for any help you can offer.

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

As you have found out this is a common problem. Some recording functions were changed in Vista and the same functions as Vista are in Windows 7. The new Microsoft 8 (due out maybe later this year) will be the same as Vista/Windows 7. I don't see any change in these functions.

I have seen a post or two about overcoming some of the latency problems so it may not be the change in how audio functions are handled in Vista/Win 7.

Best to get a USB connected recording interface unit and use that. You can get an inexpensive single channel unit for under $100.

Scott Shewbridge · From: Bay Area, N. California

Thanks Jack. I was hoping someone here had a workaround, but I don't think there is one. For realtime monitoring in Windows 7 you likely need to use off-board dedicated hardware. Funny that MS decided to disable a very helpful feature usable in XP. Confused

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Actually, I don't see (hear) any difference between my old XP systems and my current systems.

I still have the system mixer function (SoundBlaster calls this "what you hear"), and actually have more control over recording devices than I had in XP.

But, as I have a home recording studio with Sonar (X1) and Pro Tools MP9 (I'm learning Pro Tools), I use external USB connected recording units. I have a Roland Octa-Capture for Sonar and an MAudio Fastrack Ultra 8R for Pro Tools- both have 8 preamps for mic/line/instrument inputs.

Jerry Recktenwald · From: Louisville KY

My kid's taught me that when they have a computer problem was to type the problem in a Google search. You'll be surprised to find out how to fix your problem.

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Latency issues are not as easy as doing a google search. There can be many reasons/causes for it. Some can be overcome others cannot.

Those of us with "high end" recording studio equipment even have to deal with it. I currently have the latency down to 8ms with my Roland Octa-Capture - but there is still the 8ms of latency.

Duane Becker · From: Elk,Wa 99009 USA

I've been reading this thread having some of the same issues. Jack I've been looking at the Roland Tri Capture, how different is this to the Octa Capture that you have?
I pretty much have the same problems as Scott mentions in the origianl post, Ive used XP before directly to sound card and it worked great. Now with Windows 7 the latency is pretty bad.

Duane Becker · From: Elk,Wa 99009 USA

I might add to my post in that I just looked at the price and features of Rolands Tri verses Octa Capture. I see that price and number of inputs are greater. I only want to run my cd player and steel. Would the Tri Capture assuming it solves latency problems work?

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

That Roland Tri Capture looks like it would do what you want. If you are recording wih the CD player at the same time there is no latency issues.

Latency comes into effect when you have something recorded and then want to play along or record another track along with the other track(s) that have been recorded. The info on this unit says "low latency ASIO drivers" but that is all, but that is typical of what is stated about many units.

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